Halwa pairing
Semolina halwa with Turkish ice cream is the signature combination, with warm and cold textures working together.
Helvaci Ali
Umm Suqeim
Helvaci Ali is a Turkish dessert shop in Umm Suqeim centred on semolina halwa served with ice cream. The signature warm-and-cold combination is joined by options such as Turkish coffee, making it a useful stop for a rich dessert, a takeaway treat, or a compact sit-down visit.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
842 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Strong classics
Several reviews favour the original halwa, while pistachio, chocolate and Lotus versions broaden the choice.
Tea service
Traditional samovar tea is a recurring highlight and pairs naturally with the halwa.
Coffee pairing
Turkish coffee is repeatedly recommended alongside the desserts.
Family events
Customers report smooth school-event coordination, including Turkish ice cream service for children.
Cozy setting
The shop has a charming, relaxed atmosphere, though the seating footprint is compact.
Tips for a Better Visit
Plan parking. Allow extra time for parking; one reviewer found takeaway easier when spaces were unavailable.
Share portions. A cup can be substantial enough to share, which helps offset the higher price.
Try medium. Choose the medium cup if you prefer less sweetness, as the extra ice cream balances the halwa.
Start original. The original is a useful first order if you want to compare other flavours against the smoother classic.
Pair tea. Order Turkish tea with the halwa; customers specifically describe the combination as enjoyable.
Plan the visit
Practical details
3 Jumeira St
Umm Suqeim Second - Umm Suqeim, Dubai
| Mon | 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Tue | 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Wed | 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Thu | 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Fri | 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Sat | 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Sun | 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Price concern
Some customers consider the dessert expensive for its portion size.
Limited parking
Parking can be difficult, especially when the two spaces in front are occupied.
Small seating
Indoor seating is limited, with one review counting only two or three tables.
Pistachio texture
One customer found the pistachio halwa drier and less smooth than the original.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED25
small cup with all three taste
“Price was soo good and cost me AED25 for a small cup with all three taste filled and which made me full with that already and my friend took a original halva and it was AED19”Google review · March 2021
AED19
original halva
“Price was soo good and cost me AED25 for a small cup with all three taste filled and which made me full with that already and my friend took a original halva and it was AED19”Google review · March 2021
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Helvaci Ali is a Turkish dessert shop in Umm Suqeim built around semolina halwa with ice cream. You can order the original, pistachio, chocolate or Lotus-style versions, with the warm halwa layered over cold ice cream. The Semolina Halva with Ice Cream is the clearest starting point, while pistachio semolina halva and the Lotus Semolina with Ice Cream also receive specific praise.
The desserts are rich, and several customers like balancing them with Turkish coffee or traditional samovar tea. One reviewer found the portion large enough to share, while another felt the price was high for the quantity. The medium cup may suit you better if you dislike very sweet desserts because it contains more ice cream to offset the halwa.
This is a compact shop rather than a spacious dessert lounge. Reviews mention only two or three tables, although seats can turn over quickly. Parking is the main practical nuisance: the front spaces are limited and can fill, so takeaway may be easier at busy times.
The shop has also handled school International Day events, serving Turkish ice cream to children with organised setup and service.